An Evaluation of Software Measurement Processes in Pakistani Software Industry

Implementing a successful measurement process is a challenging task. Most measurement studies report measurement models, experiences, and lessons learned based on pilot projects or case studies in a limited scope to overcome specific challenges. This paper identifies 14 basic measurement practices and proposes a model of 18 success factors for implementing measurement processes with respect to the identified measurement theories in our systematic literature review (SLR), i.e., A systematic literature review on software measurement programs, by Tahir et al. , 2016. In addition, a survey is conducted to evaluate the state of measurement practices and to validate the proposed model based on the feedback from 200 software professionals working in Pakistani software industry. The state of measurement practices in the industry is mostly not according to the identified measurement theories in the SLR. For instance, more than 50 measurement models reported in the literature but only 10% software organizations follow any measurement model. 75% of organizations do not follow any measurement standard. 80% software organizations do not use any measurement tool. The proposed model is validated by applying structural equation modeling on the survey data. Furthermore, among 18 success factors, it is statistically significant that Pakistani software professionals strongly believe in necessity of three factors for successful implementation of a measurement process, i.e., synchronization between measurement process and software process improvement, use of measurement standards, and use of measurement models. In addition, they also believe that a successful measurement process will improve prediction, monitoring and management of software projects, and support in achievement of individual and organization-wide objectives. Software organizations might consider this paper in planning and improving their measurement processes

A Systematic Mapping Study on Software Measurement Programs in SMEs

Context: Software measurement programs are essential to understand, evaluate, improve and predict the software processes, products and resources. However, successful implementation of software measurement programs (MPs) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is challenging. Objective: To perform a detailed analysis of studies on MPs for highlighting the existing measurement models, tools, metrics selection methods and challenges for implementing MPs in SMEs. Methods: A Systematic Mapping Study (SMS) is conducted. Results: In total, 35 primary studies are comprehensively analyzed. We identified 29 software measurement models and 4 tools specifically designed for MPs in SMEs. Majority of the measurement models (51%) are built upon software process improvement approaches. With respect to measurement purposes of models, the distribution of MPs was identified as: characterization (63%), evaluation (83%), improvement (93%) and prediction (16%). Majority of primary studies discussed the use of measurement experts and experience (60%) followed by the use of measurement standards (40% and the use of automated tools (22%) for metrics selection in MPs. We found that the SMEs and large organization face different challenges as studies in SMEs report challenges that exist even before the implementation of MPs due to infrastructure and management processes of SMEs. The challenges reported by studies in large organizations are mostly related to the issues discovered while implementing MPs. Conclusion: The analysis of measurement models, tools, metrics selection methods and challenges of implementing MPs should help the SMEs to make a feasibility study before implementing a MP